Meet the 2017 Arkansans of The Year

Shedding light on seven Arkansans—our fifth class of Arkansans of the Year—who’ve done their part to perk up an otherwise dreary 2017

By Staff | Photography by John David Pittman

LOOKING BACK, reflecting on 2017, it’s tempting to dwell on the dark spots. But here’s the thing: It doesn’t have to be like that. Because if you look more closely—say, closer to home—you’ll see we’re surrounded by brightness, by people who dedicate themselves daily to lifting us up, not bringing us down. And these seven Arkansans? They’re proof that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

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Arkansas Life magazine digs deep into The Natural State each month, unearthing surprising stories and exposing readers to new facets of a familiar place. To put it simply, we’re naturally curious—and we’re proud, like you, to call this place home.